My Take: Support small businesses this holiday season

A column by Jason Hunsicker.

Comment

Kirksville Daily Express - Kirksville, MO

Writer

Posted Nov. 29, 2012 at 8:00 AM

Posted Nov. 29, 2012 at 8:00 AM

There’s a theory floating around out there about the recent recession, that perhaps it actually had a reverse impact on Kirksville. Because people either had less money, or were more cautious about spending, they didn’t take so many trips out of town, and as a result spent more money locally.

This time of year, though, no matter the economic conditions people are going to start their flood out the area. Whether it’s to Columbia, Quincy, St. Louis, Kansas City, Chicago, etc., holiday shoppers feel the need to rush from rural Missouri and visit the big box stores and malls in the metro areas.

Those are the places with the big-ticket items, and the big savings, they say, and they’ll gladly pay more than $3 a gallon in gas for the opportunity.

I get that. I really do. There are certain stores you want to shop at, certain items on the wish lists, certain stuff that makes those trips necessary.

But there’s no reason for all your holiday shopping to be done out of town. There’s no reason for the national chains and big box stores to receive all your business.

This holiday season, make it a point to shop local and support our small businesses.

When you think about the economic impact these places have on our community, it should be an easy call. Small businesses are the lifeblood of a community like ours. They employ hundreds of our family members and friends, they collect sales taxes that go toward funding streets, emergency services and more, they pay wages their employees can use to shop locally and create this cycle of money that helps our community grow. And they have some pretty cool stuff, too.

So, this holiday season, make a point to support these businesses. In the end, if you think about it, you’re really supporting yourself.